Solar panel push in plan to save cash

The plans would see more than 400 solar panels installed on the roof of Hetton Pool and Wellness Centre

Sunderland City Council wants to install solar panels on its buildings in an effort to reduce bills.

The initial plan would see 430 panels installed on Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre and 288 on the Leechmore Independent Living Centre.

Some of the cost would be covered by a grant of £410,000 from Sport England towards "‘easing the financial pressures that councils and leisure operators are facing due to rising energy and general operating costs".

The council said solar panels would reduce energy bills and lower its carbon footprint.

A council report seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service adds: "It is considered the solar panels are unlikely to create glare or noise which would impact occupiers of neighbouring land".

Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee will consider both applications at City Hall, at a meeting open to the public, on 21 October at 17:30 BST.